API's, Cloud Computing and Developer Center - Expanding the Cloud

Cloud computing and scalable solutions will likely increase in importance as organizations try to allocate their resources according to their priorities. Several blogs cover cloud computing technologies, such as Programmable Web, a blog that focuses on API's (Application Programming Interfaces) and mashups. Amazon's Jeff Barr, the Lead Web Services Evangelist, often blogs, speaks, or otherwise communicates about the cloud, as Amazon provides several solutions, such as Simple Storage Service (S3), Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and others.

API's Importance
At DocuSign, we recently released our developer center, a resource for our developer community to access our API, use forums to communicate with other developers and share knowledge with DocuSign experts. We realize that the true benefit of ECE is to integrate it into mission critical applications and processes. That takes developers and domain expertise beyond what any one company can do. By allowing others to leverage the power of the DocuSign cloud in their applications these developers can unlock the ability to streamline processes around the globe.

The DocuSign API actually comes in two flavors - the DocuSign Connect Service which enables DocuSign transactions to deliver real-time status and form data directly to 3rd party applications, and the DocuSign Connect API which allows external systems to 'embed' the DocuSign signing or sending process directly into other applications. Both of these interfaces are purely 'cloud based' so there is nothing to install. Both are based on well understood standards such as SOAP and XML.

A good example of the DocuSign Connect service is the new DocuSign Connect for Salesforce tool - this has enabled customers to deeply integrate transaction events and document/form data directly into their Salesforce instances, automating what usually required manual work by the sales reps. This means reps spend more time selling, and the data is much more accurate so better decisions can be made.

Expanding the Cloud
Of course, providing an API and developer program is only the beginning. This program also must include registration, support, forums, example code segments, and a validation process to qualify applications that are production ready. Put another way, this is not just a web site - this project requires a commitment. Just ask Mike Borozdin, our lead dev center manager - he spends many, many, hours working with developers to be sure they have what they need.

We know a strong developer community is key to large scale success of our platform. We'll continue to provide blogs, forums and other social media tools, so our developer community can connect with each other, share ideas, and expand the cloud.

DocuSign's forums provide information such as development features, SDK updates & content, upcoming release instructions, API feature requests, Java and .NET integration and other relevant discussions.

API's Role in Adoption
API's help drive technology adoption. For example, Twitter, one of the more popular microblogging applications, has an API that's given rise to third party applications that's helped drive adoption of the service. These tools mean Twitter can focus on its core proposition and users who want additional features such as metrics can use the appropriate third party provider. Twitter's extensibility due to a popular API may be a reason for its popularity.

By opening up DocuSign's electronic signature and online contract execution technology to developers via our API and developer center, we hope to 'expand the cloud' through the innovations that can only come from developers with all sorts of different perspectives.

Image courtesy of flickr user selena marie under creative commons